A Big Day Out At Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Make the most out of your day seeing Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Whilst we can’t promise that any day out in London will be quite as transportive as a trip to Paris’ Moulin Rouge, a well-planned schedule of activities before seeing Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre gives you the best of both worlds. The stage production based on the 2001 film is one of the most lavish, magical experiences the West End has to offer, as wildly entertaining as it is deeply romantic. To help you get the most out of your time in London before and after the show, we’ve compiled some of the best restaurants, bars and things to do in the area, as well as themed activities that will take you a little further afield. Here’s how to make a big day out of seeing Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Things to do near Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Restaurants near Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Shopping near Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Bars and pubs near Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Moulin Rouge! The Musical
On-theme activities for Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Things to do near Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Piccadilly Theatre is in a vibrant part of London’s West End, with plenty to see and do in the area. Chinatown is around five minutes away on foot, boasting over 70 authentic East and Southeast Asian bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. It’s an exciting part of the city to explore, and you’ll always find somewhere to grab a quick dinner before the show.

About ten minutes away is Trafalgar Square, a great spot to take photos with the famous lions and admire the fountain and Nelson’s Column. Near to the Square you’ll also find the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, a great nearby activity for wetter weather with a huge collection of art between them that spans centuries.

In-keeping with the club tradition of Moulin Rouge!, famous London comedy venue The Comedy Store is just five minutes from the theatre, hosting everything from new act nights to work-in-progress shows from big names. You can check their programme online to see what’s on during your visit.

Or, if you’re after something competitive, Clays Soho is only a minute away from the Piccadilly Theatre. Here you can try your hand at virtual clay shooting, challenge your friends and family, and enjoy great cocktails, all in a beautiful 1930s art deco building.

Restaurants near Moulin Rouge! The Musical

There’s no shortage of great eateries in the area around the Piccadilly Theatre – with a ton of popular chains nearby and Chinatown right next door, you’ll always find something great. Here are a few of our suggestions.

Brasserie Zedel – For a special occasion and an authentic touch, this Parisian brasserie in the heart of Piccadilly is only a minute from the theatre and is a housed in a beautiful art deco building. You’ll enjoy classic brasserie dishes and choucroute, often against a backdrop of live music.

Bocca di Lupo – This award-winning family business gives guests a taste of the twenty main dialects of Italian cuisine. They update their menu twice a day, so you’re always guaranteed a unique experience.

Kriket Soho – This modern Indian restaurant showcases the diversity of regional India, pairing British produce with traditional cooking techniques to create their seasonal menus.

Shoryu Ramen Covent Garden – Offering pre- and post-theatre dining, Shoryu specialises in Hakata tonkotsu ramen from the island of Kyusha, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience and a special sake menu for perfect pairings.

Dirty Bones Soho – This trendy Brooklyn-inspired eatery serves up gourmet on-the-bone meats, elevated comfort food and great cocktails, with old school tunes to enjoy while you eat.

Blacklock – This basement chop house aims to serve the best meat at the best prices. They work with a family farm to raise their Cornish cattle ethically and sustainably, and they’re passionate about minimal waste cooking and regenerative farming.

Shopping near Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Right next door to the Piccadilly Theatre you’ll find yourself in the heart of Soho, where you can explore everything from recognised brands and high-end stores to independent boutiques and bookshops. Oxford Street is a twelve-minute walk away, carrying all your favourite high street stores, whilst Covent Garden, also around twelve minutes away, offers beauty, lifestyle and designer stores along with big international brands.

Carnaby Street, only five minutes away, is a perfectly curated piece of shopping real estate, with flagship stores from some of your favourite brands as well as cosy cafes. A little over ten minutes away, you’ll find Neal’s Yard, an oasis in the middle of the theatre district. This colourful courtyard is home to some fantastic health and wellness brands and serves as a great place to take some photos.

Bars and pubs near Moulin Rouge! The Musical

There are plenty of great places for a drink near the Piccadilly Theatre, and most of our recommended restaurants can serve you something nice.

The Queen’s Head – This snug Victorian pub very nearby, boasts an eclectic selection of ale, lager, stout, port and cider which is updated seasonally.

Waxy’s Little Sister – This relaxed, cosy pub boasts comfy sofas, open fires and a Dumb Waiter upstairs to make the whole experience even more laidback. They serve a great cup of Irish coffee – and Irish whiskey, of course.

The Devonshire – The Devonshire has been one of Soho’s most popular pubs since 1793, offering a classic London drinking experience. You’ll find a high-end restaurant upstairs, but downstairs the venue is try to its roots, serving homemade bar food and great pints.

Glasshouse Stores – Speaking of historic pubs, this site dating back to the 1730s. Things get a little less traditional in the evenings when they open their basement bar, but upstairs they’re known for their excellent cask beers and ales.

3’6 Bar at Fortnum & Mason – For the perfect cocktail, head here and discover the historic secret behind the bar’s name. This place has an intimate speakeasy feel and a fantastic drinks menu, and also frequently hosts live music.

Covent Garden Social Club – If you’re looking for a buzzy atmosphere, you’ll find live music and comedy here in the upstairs piano bar, whilst the riotous basement bar offers some of the best nightlife in the district.

Tube stations and bus stops near Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Piccadilly Theatre stands three minutes from Piccadilly Circus tube station, which is served by the Bakerloo/Piccadilly line, but it’s also very possible to access the theatre via other lines with a slightly longer walk. The nearest train station is Charing Cross, which is 14 minutes on foot. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Cabaret – The best theatrical companion to Moulin Rouge! is Cabaret, the immersive production now playing at the Kit Kat Club, formerly the Playhouse Theatre. Set in 1930s Berlin, it’s a darker look at the underground performance world, but still wholly entertaining, with a soundtrack that has captured audiences for decades.

The London Cabaret Club – If the world of cabaret and burlesque peaks your interest, this is one of the best places in the city to watch both, with frequent events advertised on their site.

V&A Museum – Part of the appeal of Moulin Rouge! is the lavish spectacle, and at the V&A Museum in South Kensington and sister museum V&A East you can wonder through a whole history of design.

Lucky Voice Soho – If you want to immerse yourself in the jukebox world of Moulin Rouge! in a more hands-on way, karaoke is the perfect pre or post-show activity. At Lucky Voice Soho you’ll find an extensive song library and a great cocktail menu, making it the perfect place to see how your vocals match up to those of a Moulin Rouge performer.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently playing at the Piccadilly Theatre – find tickets here